,'^i^^ 



yOL^ 







REY. MR. PARKER'S 

CENTURY SERMON, 



CoMMEMORATIIfa 



T\ie fiYst Settlement ot liomlonAeYi-xf, 



DELIVERED 



ApRir. 92, 1819. 






^•^v-. 



N >. 



V ^S>i. ■•.y.v.V 



CENTURY SERMON, 

DELIVERED 

IN THE EAST-PARISH MEETING HOUSE, 
LOJS'DOJ^DERRYy J^EW-HJIMFSHIRE, 

April 22, 1819, 
in commemoration of 

The ftrat Settlement oltlie To^n. 

CONTAUrlNC, 

.^ SKETCH 

OF 

THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN 

FROM 

ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT 



BV EDWARD L. PARKER, 

Pastor of the East-Parish in Londonderry, 



PRINTED EY GEORGE HOUGIJ, 

CO^'CORD, 

1819. 



n 



r 



tTfM 



Rev. Edward L. Pjuker — . 
SIR, 

The undersigned Committees of Arrangement of the East 
and West Parishes in I^iondonderry, in behalf of said 
Parlehes, request, for publication, a copy of your interesting 
Discourse, delivered this day in the East Meeting House, 
in commemoration of the expiration of 0ns CEsruRr from 
the settlement of the town. 



Peter Patterson, 
James Thom, 
John Clark, 
Stephen Reynolds, 
Henry Taylor, 

John Fisher, 
Robert Patterson, 
John Pinkerton, 
Londonderrt/y *8pril 23, I819. 



Committee 

of the 
East Parish* 



Committee 

of the 
IVestParisk: 



LONDOHDERRT, JctT 15, 1819. 

Geni'lemen, 

Agreeably to your polite request, a copy of the Sermon, 
delivered in commemoration of the settlement of this town, 
and containing a Sketch of its History during the Century 
now closed, is respectfully committed to you for publication^ 

E. L. PARKER. 

Messrs. Peter Patterson, James Thom, 
John Clark, Stephen Iteijnolds. Henry 
Taylor, John Fisher, Robert Patter' 
son, and John Pinkerton, 




lu Exciiange 
Amer. Ant. Soo. 
25 i. i^OT 



SERMON. 



aw 



Deuteronomy xxxii. 7. 

Memember the days of old ; consider the years of many geiu 
erations : ask thy father, and he will sheiv thee ; thy elders^ 
and they will tell thee." 

The works of the Lord, and the dispensations of his 
providence, are great, and sought out of all them that have 
pleasure therein. They have, from age to age, employed 
the thoughts, and excited the gratitude and praise, of good 
men. 

" I will remember," says one, " the works of the Lord : 
surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will medi- 
tate also of all thy works, and talk of thy doings." 

In looking back to former ages, and recalling events 
which are past, we may not only greatly enlarge our minds, 
but find arguments to strengthen our faith in the divine 
government, and motives to greater zeal and fidelity in his 
service. Hence Moses, adverting to the wonders which 
the Lord had wrought for his people — to the many divine 
interpositions in their favour — to their deliverance from 
Egyptian servitude, and to their protection and support 
in the wilderness — directed the Israelites to apply, each to 
his father, and to the elders, ,for instruction concerning 
those things which existed in the days of old, and the years 
of preceding generations. " Remember," says he, " the; 
days of old ; consider the years of many generations : ask 



ihy lailicr, and he will shew tliee ; thy ciders, and they 
will tell thee." 

What is here enjoined upon God's ancient people, may, 
with almost equal propriety, be urged upon us. 

The duty of recalling and considering the past events of 
divine providence, in relation to ourselves and to our fa- 
thers, not only approves itself to reason, but is enforced by 
divine authority. On special occasions, it is peculiarly 
proper. Such an occasion now presents. One hundred 
years have rolled away, since your fathers first set foot 
upon this ground. One century ago, on this day, they 
pitched their tents in this place, then a dreary wilderness, 
\^ the abode of savage beasts and uncivilized men. 

Although nothing very peculiar has distinguished this 
town, in the commencement and progress of its settlement, 
from that of others ; yet many of the events, which have 
here taken place, justly merit our consideration. These 
events, by being better known, will be more strongly felt. 
— Scenes in which our fathers were concerned, though 
common, impart an interest and excite a feeling in us. The 
association is natural and strong. — Impressed with these 
considerations, allow me to call your attention to a Sketch 
of the History of this town from its carlies settlement; and 
may it serve to excite in our hearts those feelings of grati- 
tude and affection, so justly due to the God of our fathers. 
The first settlers of this town were the descendants of a 
colony, whici) emigrated from Argylshire, in Scotland, 
and settled in the north of Ireland, in the province of Ul- 
ster, about the middle of the seventeenth century.* Ad- 
Jiering firmly to the doctrines and discipline of the Presby- 
terian church, they partook largely in the sufferings which 
were endured by the Protestants in that unhappy country, 
daring the persecutions in the reign of Charles I. and James 
II. until William ascended the British throne. Althougli 

* See Belknap's History of New-Hampshire, 



by this revolution, and the subjugation of the Popish par- 
ty, peace was restored to that Island, and a toleration of 
religious sentiments allowed ; still the dissenters from the 
Church of England experienced many embarrassments* 
They were indeed permitted to maintain their own forms 
of worship unmolested ; still they were compelled to aid in 
supporting a minister of the established religion. A tenth 
of their increase was rigorously exacted. — They also held 
their lands and tenements, by lease, and not as the propri- 
etors of the soil. 

Being thus burdened with rents and tythes, and ardently 
desiring the full enjoyment of civil and religious liberty, 
this people were led to contemplate a settlement in this 
land, where they might be free from these burdens. To 
this, we are informed, they were also greatly induced, by 
the favourable report which they received of this country, 
from one Holmes, a young man, son of a clergyman, who 
had been here. Influenced by his representations of the 
civil and religious privileges which were here enjoyed, his 
father, with three other Presbyterian ministers, James 
M'Gregore, William Cornwell, and William Boyd, with a 
large number of their congregations, resolved on a remov- 
al. Having converted their substance into money, ihey 
immediately embarked, in five ships, for America. About 
one hundred families arrived at Boston, August 4, 1713. 
Twenty families more, in one of the vessels, landed at 
Casco-Bay, now Portland. Among this latter number 
were the families who commenced this settlement. 

On disembarking in this new country, in which they werr- 
to seek a residence for themselves and their descendants 
they assembled on the shore, and united in solemn acts ol 
devotion, and with peculiar sensations sang tlie 137Lh 
Psalm, in which, with the Jews by the rivers of Ba])ylon, 
they could also say, as they remembered the land of tlieiv. 
nativitj^, whTre thev, with their fathers, had ofv .-• "^r:!,i.y- 



8 

ped, " How shall we sicg the Lord's song iu a strangi 
land ?» 

This company of emigrants immediately petitioned the 
General Court of Massachusetts for a tract of land suitable 
for a township. The Court readily granted their request^ 
and gave them leave to select a settlement, six miles square, 
in any of the unappropriated lands to the eastward. After 
exploring the country along the eastern shore, and finding 
no place that suited them there, sixteen of the families 
hearing of this tract of land, then called Nutfield, and find- 
ing that it was not appropriated, determined here to take 
up their grant ; while the others, who had embarked with 
them for America, dispersed themselves, on their arrival, 
into various parts of the country. They accordingly, as 
soon as the spring opened, left Casco-Bay, where they had 
suffered much during the winter, through scarciiy of pro- 
visions and the want of suitable accommodations, and ar- 
rived at Haverhill on the second day of April, 1719. — 
Leaving here their families, the men immediately came up, 
examined the spot on which they were about to commence 
their settlement, and built a few huts near the brook, which 
they termed West-running Brook, and which still retains the 
name. Three remaining to guard their ten s, the rest re- 
turned to Haverhill to bring on their families. 

This company had no sooner selected a spot for a town- 
ship, than, in order to secure the full enjoyment of gospel 
ordinances, which was one principal object of their remov- 
al, and also to promote their settlement, they presented a call 
to the Rev. James M'Gregore, under whose ministry some 
of them had sat in Ireland, now to become their Pastor. 
He was then at Dracut, where he had passed the winter^ 
after his arrival, in preaching and instructing. For his sup- 
port, they obligated themselves to pay him annually, be- 
sides the grant of certain lands, twenty shillings, currency 
in that day, out of every lot. in tho town, hi compliance 



^ith their request, he met them here, on their arrival, the 
eleventh day of April, O. S. 1719. 

On meeting them for the first time after they had left 
their native Isle, in this then dreary and uncultivated spot, 
he made an affectionate and impressive address in view of 
their undertaking ; reminding them of their gracious pres- 
ervation while crossing the deep, and exhorting them to re- 
newed confidence in God, and devotedness to his service. 
The next day, April 1 2th, he delivered, under a large oak, 
on the east side of the pond, the first discourse ever preach- 
ed in this town, from the prophecy of Isaiah, xxxii. 2. — 
" And a man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a 
covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place ; 
as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Then for 
the first time did this wilderness and solitary place, over 
which the savage tribes had for centuries roamed, resound 
with the voice of prayer and praise, and echo to the sound 
of the gospel. This able, faithful, and spiritual minister of 
Christ, together with his flock, devoutly eyed and acknowl- 
edged the divine hand in their removal and settlement — ad- 
hering to the inspired direction, " In all thy ways, acknowl- 
edge him, and he shall direct thy paths." 

From a manuscript of his, I find, that on embarking for 
this country, he preached to his people from those very 
appropriate words of Moses, when interceding with the 
Lord, in behalf of Israel, for his presence and protection in 
their march to the promised land, recorded. Exodus xxxiii, 
15. — " And he said unto him. If thy presence go not with me, 
carry us not up hence." Having illustrated the doctrinal 
sentiment suggested by the passage, that saints earnestly 
desire God's presence with them in all their movements, he, 
in the application of his subject, notices the reasons of their 
removal to America. — That it was to avoid oppression and 
cruel bondage ; to shun persecution and designed ruin ; to 
withdraw from the communion of idolaters, and to have an 



10 

opportunity of worshipping God according to the dictates 
of conscience, and the rules of his inspired Word. This 
discourse, on leaving their native country, must have pro- 
duced very solemn and suitable reflections. 

Although Mr. M'Gregore met with them on their arrival 
here, and assisted them in selecting a spot most suitable on 
which to commence their settlement ; yet he did not accept 
of their call, and take the pastoraV charge of the people, 
until some time in May. On this occasion, he preached 
from Ezckiel xxxvii. 26. — " Moreover, I will make a cov- 
enant of peace with them ; it shall be an everlasting cov- 
enant with them: and 1 will plant them, and multiply them, 
and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forever- 
more." Having shewn from this passage, that it is the 
Lord who placeth a people in a land, multiplieth them 
therein, and placeth his sanctuary among them, and affords 
them the ordinances of religion ; he devoutly reminded his 
brethren, in the improvement of his discourse, that they 
should acknowledge the providence of God in their settle- 
ments since they came into the world ; that they should 
live by faith in what was before them ; pray earnestly, 
that God would place and bless them — be firmly united one 
with another, and walk in the fear of God, and keep his 
charge. 

I notice these discourses, delivered on occasions so in- 
teresting, not only as specimens of the piety and ability of 
their author, but also to shew that the removal and settle- 
ment of your fathers was a subject of devout and praj'erful 
consideration ; that they sought the divine guidance, and 
gratefully acknowledged the divine hand in all their deliv- 
erances and successes. 

Those who first removed here, were, James M'Keen, 

John Barnett, Archibald Clcndenin, John Mitchell, 

Sterrett, James Anderson, Randcl Alexander, James Gregg, 
James Clark, James Nesmith, Allen Anderson, Robert 



t 



11 



Wier, John Morrison, Samuel Allison/ Thomas Steele, and 
John Stuart. They were men principally in the middle 
age of life, robust, persevering, and adventurous ; such as 
were well suited to encounter the toils, and endure the 
hardships and self-denials of commencing a new settlement. 

Through habits of temperance and industry, and under 
the blessing of God, they attained to an advanced period of 
life. They lived to see many of their descendants settled 
around them ; and the forest, into which they had pene- 
trated, converted into a fruitful field. The mean age of 
thirteen, of whom we have any record, was 79 years ; six 
of this number attained to nearly 90 years ; while two sur- 
passed it. The eldest of this company, John Morrison, 
lived to the age of 97 years. Their descendants were nu- 
merous. Many of them early removed from this town, and 
commenced settlements still farther west. A number of 
the towns in New-Hampshire, and some in Vermont, were 
principally planted by emigrants from this town. Of these 
sixteen families, we find descendants of twelve, still inhab- 
itants of the town ; and some of them, after the lapse of a 
hundred years, occupying the inheritances of their fathers, 
which have never been alienated. 

They were a peculiarly industrious and frugal, yet pub- 
lick-spirited people, and proved a valuable acquisition to 
the province into which they had removed, contributing 
very considerably to its benefit, by their arts and their in- 
dustry. They introduced the art of manufacturing linen of 
a snperiour quality, the materials of which they brought 
with them. Their spinning-wheels, turned by the foot, and 
which are now of so general use, were the first that were 
brought into the country. They also introduced the cul- 
ture of potatoes, which are now so highly valued and so 
extensively cultivated. Owing perhaps to the difference in 
their language, habits, and modes of life, from those of their 
English neighbours, prejudices were early and unreason- 



19 

ably imbibed by some against them, and many things rei-» 
ative to their manners and practices falsely reported. 
Their character as a people Avas perhaps as moral, as re* 
ligious, and as respectable, as almost any other settlement 
commenced in New-England. 

The settlers of this town were of Scotch origin, and re- 
tained the national trait, and are not, therefore, to be 
blended in their character with the original inhabitants of 
Ireland, who are of Celtic origin, and speak a dialect of the 
Celtic tongue, called Erse, or Gaelic. Between the native 
Irish, and the Scotch who settled in Ireland, there is almost 
as great a difference in character, as to religion, morals, in- 
telligence, and dialect, as exists between them and the 
English. 

The Scotch, as a nation, are by no means inferiour to 
their southern neighbours. Though in their manners plain, 
frugal, frank, and somewhat rough ; yet they possess a 
p^reater vivacity, and quickness of parts — propensities more 
social, and stronger sensibilities of all kinds. They are 
distinguished for their hospitality, their valour, firmness, 
and fidelity. No people display more faithful and affec- 
tionate attachment to those who have conciliated their good 
will ; and few nations have given more undeniable proofs 
of genius, adapted to scientifick and literary pursuits ; or 
that have supported a higher degree of moral and political 
respectability. 

Such were the national traits which characterized this 
company of strangers, and which have, in a good degree, 
been retained by their posterity. Many of their descend, 
ants, in the several professions, and the various walks of 
publick and private life, have sustained fair and excellent 
characters, and filled some of the highest offices, either lit- 
erary, civil, or military, in the country. We may name 
those who sustained high military stations in the American 
army — who have been members of Congress — who have 



13 

presided in our Seminaries of Learning — who have filled 
seats in our Council and Senate — and who have sustained 
the Chief Magistracy of the State ; besides a number of 
eminent and distinguished Ministers of the Gospel. 

In order to enjoy the advantages of neighbourhood, and 
be thereby more secure against the assaults of the natives 
in case of hostilities, the first families, who arrived, planted 
themselves on either side of the brook before mentioned ; 
and agreed that their home-lots should be but thirty perches 
broad, fronting the brook, and the same breadth to be con- 
tinued on a south and north line until it made up sixty 
acres ; thus forming what is termed the double range- 
The first season, they cultivated a field in common, and^ 
which is now known by the name of the Common-Field. 
Their buildings were of logs, and covered with bark. The 
first framed house erected in the town, was for the Rev. 
Mr. M'Gregore, and is yet standing in good repair.* 

They were soon followed by many of their countrymen, 
who had emigrated with them to America, so that, before 
the close of the year, the number of families was consider- 
ably increased. Being industrious and frugal in their bab- 
bits of life, and highly favoured with the institutions of the 
gospel, they very soon became a thriving, wealthy, and 
respectable settlement. 

In securing a title to thrir lands, owing to the unsettled 
State of the country, they experienced some embarrass- 
ments. They at first supposed, that their township fell 
within the then Province of Massachusetts Bay, and there- 
fore applied to the General Court for the confirmation of 
their former grant ; but the Court declared that they were 
not under their jurisdiction. They therefore, in September, 
J 71 9, petitioned the Court of N^w-Hampshire for an ac? 
of incorporation, and town privileges. The Lieutenant- 
Governor declined making them a grant in the King's r.amr, 

* Now occupied by John Morrison, Esq. 



■■V 



14 

as the land was then in dispute "between the Crown and Al- 
len's heirs ; but by advice of Council, gave them a protec- 
tion, and extended to them the benefit of the law ; appoint- 
*^ ing James M'Keen, a man of probity, ability, and intelli- 

gence, and who appears to have been active and influential 
in the settlement of the town, a Justice of the Peace, and 
Robert Weir, a Sheriff. 

Though they now enjoyed the protection of government, 
yet they were unwilling to possess themselves of lands, 
once the undisputed property of the aborigines, without a 
fair purchase of their right. " Being informed, that Col. 
John Wheelwright, of Wells, had the best Indian title to this 
%ract of country, derived from his ancestors, and supposing 
this to be valid in a moral view, they followed the exam- 
ple of the first settlers of New-England, and deputed a com- 
mittee, consisting of Rev. Mr. M'Gregore and Samuel 
Graves, to wait upon Col. Wheelwright, who obtained of 
him a deed of ten miles square, in virtue of a grant, dated 
May 17, 1629, and approved by the then existing Author- 
ities, made to his grand-father, a minister of the gospel, and 
others named in said grant, by sundry Indian Sagimores, 
with the consent of the whole tribe of Indians between the 
rivers Merrimack and Piscataqua." In consideration of 
this deed, Col. Wheelwright and Governor Wentworth were 
to hold certain lots of land in the town. 

The Government of New-Hampshire, apprized of the 
strength and benefit which the then Province would derive 
from this company of strangers, were })articularly attentive 
to them, and did what they could to patronize and encour- 
age them ; particularly the Lieutenant-Governor, Went- 
Avorth, who thereby merited and received their gratitude 
and esteem, as appears from the following record, entered 
upon their town book : 

"• The people of Nutfield do acknowledge with gratitude 
the obligations they are' under to the Hon. John Went- 



13 

worth, Esq. Lieutcnnnt-Governour of New-Hampshire « 
They remember, with pleasure, that his Honour, on all 
occasions, shewed a great deal of civilitj and real kindness 
to them, being strangers in the country ; and cherished the 
small beginnings of their settlement, and defended them 
from the encroachment and violence of such as, upon un- 
just grounds, would disturb their settlement ; and always 
gave them a favourable ear, and easy access to the govern- 
ment ; and procured justice for them, and established order, 
and promoted peace and good government amongst them ; 
giving them always the most wholesome and seasonable ad- 
vice, both with respect to the purity and liberty of the gos- 
pel, and the management of their secular concerns ; and put 
arms and ammunition into their hands, to defend them from 
the fears and dangers of the Indians; and contributed lib- 
erally, by his influence and example, to the building of a 
house for the worship of God : so that, under God, wc own 
him for the patron and guardian of our settlement, and 
erect this monument of gratitude to the name and family of 
Wentworth, to be had in the greatest veneration by thi? 
present generation, and the latest posterity." 

Some persons in Haverhill and the adjoining towns, who 
claimed these lands by virtue of a deed of about twenty 
years date, from John, an Indian Sagimore, gave them at 
first some disturbance ; but having obtained what they 
judged a superiour title, and enjoying the protection of 
government, they went on with their plantation, receiving 
frequent additions of their countrymen, as well as others. 

It is related, that soon after they began their settlement, 
a party from Haverhill, headed by one Herriman, came 
up armed, in order forc-ibly to expel them. On making 
known their design, they were requested to desist, and wait 
until after the delivery of a lecture, upon which they were 
going to attend. The party consented. Soon the \\lih:. 
company of settlers assembled around the trunk of a Ijrge 



16 

tree, which was used by Mr. M'Grcgore as his pulpit. Thd 
assailants retiring at a short distance, observed their re- 
ligious exercises ; and, struck with the firm, resolute, and 
undaunted appearance of the people, their solemnity and 
devotion, and particularly with the eloquent and impressive 
discourse delivered on the occasion, they relinquished their 
hostile design ; Herriman remarking to his company, " It is 
in vain for us to attempt to disturb this people ; we shall 
not succeed; for God is evidently among them." 

In June, 1722, the town was incorporated by the name 
of Londonderry, from a city in the North of Ireland, in 
and near to which most of them had resided, and in which 
some of them had endured the hardship of a memorable 
siege, in contending for civil and religious liberty. 

The conditions specified in the act of incorporation, and 
upon which it was granted, were the following — " That the 
proprietor of each share should build a house, settle a 
family," and cultivate three acres of ground, within four 
years ; and that a meeting house should also be built during 
this period." 

The charter made provision for a market-day each 
Wednesday, and for two fairs in the year, one to be hold- 
en in May, and the other in October. These fairs were 
of publick use and convenience, affording an opportunity 
to the inhabitants of this and the adjoining towns, for the 
exchange of commodities, and were conducted with order 
and propriety until the revolution. The state of society 
then changing — the country becoming more settled — stores 
being multiplied, and the means of communication with our 
sea-ports facilitated ; they became of little or no use, were 
soon perverted, and have since proved a nuisance to the 
place, exhibiting scenes of vice and folly. 

The inhabitants of the town had no sooner established 
themselves, and obtained a title to their lands, than they 
began, notwithstanding their embarrassed situation, such 



1? 

was their regard to the institutions of the Gospel, to make ar» 
rangements for the erection of a house for publick worship, 
and more convenient enjoyment of Christian privileges. At 
a town meeting, so early as 1721, it was voted, that a meet- 
ing house, fifty feet in length, and forty-five feet in breadth, 
and so high as might be convenient for one set of galleries, 
should be built without delay. At the same time, a com- 
mittee was chosen to carry on and finish the work, which 
they accordingly completed in 1722. It appears, that they 
were, in some measure, aided in the building of this house, 
by Governour Wentworth, and other benevolently disposed 
gentlemen in and near Portsmouth. 

The first sacramental occasion was held in the spring of 
1720, in the open field, at which thirty-two communicants 
were present. The first person born and baptized in thi^ 
town, was Jonathan Morrison. The first person who deceas- 
ed was John Clark, three years from the time of their set- 
tlement. Nearly as long a period elapsed before another 
instance of mortality occurred. 

Your fathers were attentive, not only to the religious in* 
ferests of themselves and families ; but also to the means of 
education. In 1723, a school house was built upon this 
common — it was, however, of logs, and only sixteen feet 
long and twelve feet wide. In 1 725, it was voted, that there 
should be a school in each quarter of the town for six 
months, if suitable instructors could be procured. The 
number of inhabitants rapidly increased. The church soon 
became numerous. At a communion season in 1723, there 
were 1 60 communicants — at the next spring communion, 
there were 230. The first Church Session, that was organ- 
ized, consisted of the Rev. Mr. M'Gregore, Moderator — 
David Cargili, James McKeen, Samuel Moor, John Coch- 
ran, John Barnett, William Ayer, James Alexander, James 
Adams, Robert Wilson, and Robert Givan. Eiders. James 
Reed was added in 1726. 



In 172&, the town was called to experience a severe loss 
in the removal of the Rev. Mr. M'Gregore, their spiritual 
guide and father. He possessed a robust constitution, and 
had enjoyed a firm and uninterrupted state of health. He 
was never visited with sickness until seized with that which 
terminated his useful life. He was attacked with a violent 
fever, and survived but a few days. He died, on Wednesday 
March 5, 1 729, and was buried on the Saturday following^ 
with very deep and general lamentation. The Rev. Mr. 
Phillips, of Andover, preached his funeral sermon, from 
Zech. i. 5 — " Your fathers, where are they ? and the proph- 
ets, do they live forever ?" Although the settlement, before 
his death, had surmounted its principal difficulties, and been 
greatly increased ; as at the last sacramental occasion, upon 
which he attended with his beloved flock, there were 375 
communicants ; still his removal was very sensibly felt and 
lamented by his people, who loved and revered him, and 
•whose name and memory have been, and will continue, pre- 
cious among their descendants. " He was," as Dr. Belknap 
justly observes, " a wise„ affectionate, and faithful guide to 
them, both in civil and religious concerns." He was very 
active and influential in obtaining the grant of the township 
and in securing its title. 

It has been generally thought, that it was owing to a cor* 
respondence which he held with a French officer, then com- 
manding in Canada, and with whom he had resided at the 
University in Scotland, that the Indians never molested this 
town — although the neighbouring settlements were repeat- 
edly assaulted. From traditional remarks, as well as from 
a few manuscripts of his, which have been preserved, we are 
led to consider him a man of distinguished talents, both nat- 
ural and acquired. He evidently possessed a powerful, 
vigorous, and discriminating mind. His religious senti- 
ments were fully Calvinistick, and accorded witli those 
which arc expressed in the Summary composed by thr 



19 

Westminster Divines. H« was a man, not only of distin- 
guished abilities, and evangelical sentiments, but of humble 
■and ardent piety; peculiarly spiritual and experimental in 
Ms preaching. During his sickness, he maintained a firm, 
unshaken faith in the Saviour, and a lively hope of his in- 
terest in the promises of the Gospel. He remarked to his 
friends, in the immediate prospect of his death, that he trust- 
ed he had known Christ from the fourteenth year of his age. 
The Session, in noticing his removal, speak of his peaceful 
and triumphant death — " of his victoriously entering into 
the joy of his Lord." He was but 52 years of age at his 
decease. He left a widow and seven children. His per- 
sonal appearance was commanding; his stature was tall 
and erect ; his complexion dark ; and liis countenance ex- 
uressive. 

Immediately after the death of Mr. M'Gregore, they were 
■supplied by the Rev. Matthew Clark, who having received 
ordination in Ireland, came over as a preacher to this coun- 
try. At the request of the town and Session, he took the 
pastoral charge of the congregation ; and, possessing dis- 
tinguished literary acquirements, he also officiated as an in- 
structor in some of the higher branches of education. When 
4e came to this town, he was about 70 years of age. He 
had served as an officer in the army during the civil com- 
motions in Ireland, and was active in the defence of the city 
of Londonderry during the memorable siege which it en- 
dured. After these troubles subsided, and peace M'^as re- 
stored, he quit the military service, and commenced a 
preacher of the Gospel. He was eccentrick in his man- 
ners, possessing a peculiar vein of humour ; but a man of a 
strong mind — sound in the faith — decided and independent 
in his sentiments— and bold in the defence of what he judg- 
ed to be correct in doctrine or practice. In his mode of 
living, he was singularly temperate. He wholly abstained 
fi'om all kinds of flesh, and never ate of any thing Afhici 



;20 

had possessed animal life. He married, for his third wife, 
the widow of the Rev. Mr. MHjregore, but did not long sur- 
vive. He died the 25th of January, 1 735, aged 76. His 
remains, at liis particular request, were borne to the grave 
by those who had been his companions in arm«. 

As Mr. Clark was far advanced in life when he settled in 
this place, it was the determination of the town, Avhen they 
invited him to take the pastoral charge, to obtain another 
Minister as soon as convenient, from Ireland, and who, 
should Mr. Clark be still able to officiate, would act as col- 
league. In 1 732, the town appointed Mr. Robert Boys 
their commissioner, who, with the advice and in concur- 
rence with the Rev. Mr. M'Bride, of Belemony, in Ireland, 
was empowered to invite a suitable, well qualified, and rec- 
ommended Minister, to take the charge of them in the Lord 
— engaging to any one who should consent to come, £140 
annually, besides th^ expense of transportation — and also, 
as a settlement, one half of a home4ot, and a hundred acre 
out-lot, as it was then termed. 

In October, 1 733, Mr. Boys returned from Ireland, with 
the Rev. Thomas Thompson, who, having accepted the in- 
vitation, had been ordained by the Presbytery of Tyron^ 
and by that body amply recommended to this people. Oil 
his arrival, he was very cordially received by them as their 
Pastor. The Session, in behalf of the church and society, 
entered the following resolution and vote on their records 
in respect to him. 

" The Session having seen and approved Mr. Thompson's 
testimonials, of not only his trials and ordination to be ouv 
Minister in the Lord, by the Presbytery of Tyron, together 
with a letter from said Presbytery, wherein they largely 
set forth their great satisfaction which they had, not only 
of his trials, but also of his Christian life and conversation, 
all which we heartily and cheerfully accept, and receive 
liim to be our Minister in the Lord ; promising, as God 



'21 

shall enable us, to yield all due subjection and obedience to 
his ministry, and to respect him as an Ambassador of Jesus 
Christ, for his work sake." 

Mr. Thompson was 29 years of age when he came to 
this country. He continued their Pastor but five years. 
He died, Sept. 22, 1738. He left a widow and one child. 
Though his ministry was short, and though not much has 
been preserved relative to him ; yet, so far as I am able to 
collect, he was a man of promising talents and handsome 
accomplishments — easy, affable, and pleasant in his man- 
ners, and interesting as a publick speaker. At his decease, 
the town, from attachment to his family and respect to his 
memory, voted to bestOAv £70 towards the education of the 
infant son which he had left. 

The settlement continuing to receive accessions of inhab- 
itants from Ireland 3nd elsewhere ; and the more remote 
parts of the town having become in some degree settled so 
early as 1 730 ; a petition was presented at a town meeting, 
by sundry persons in the north-westerly part, to be set off 
as a parish. The petition was at this time refused ; but in 
1735, the request being renewed, they obtained a vote in 
favour of becoming a distinct religious society. The line^ 
then agreed upon, was the same as that which was after- 
wards observed and recognized by the General Court, in 
their act of incorporation. 

It was not until February, 1739, that they were made a 
distinct Ecclesiastical society, and invested with parish 
privileges, by the General Court. About the time of their 
being thus set off, a meeting house ^vas erected, on what i^ 
called the Hill, near to the old grave-yard in that society. 
Soon after, owing to some differences in the town and par- 
ish, another house for divine worship was erected, at what 
is termed the Aiken's Range. 

in 1737, the Rev. David M'Gregorc. son of the former 
Minister^ (and vrho had received his literary and thf>olo2ical 



mi.> 



education under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Clark, hiB 
father's successor) took the pastoral charge of the West 
Parish. On account of some opposition in the town to his 
settlement, and the divisions occasioned by the erection of 
another meeting house in that society, forty families from 
the West Parish united with the East, and attended upon 
Mr. Davidson's ministry, while an equal number of families 
from this Parish, being particularly attached to Mr. M'Grcg- 
ore, united with the West Parish, and attended his meeting. 

During Mr. Thompson's ministry in this place, the church 
was very considerably enlarged. At a sacramental occa* 
sion, in 1 734, only fifteen years after the settlement of the 
town, there were present, including those who attended 
from other towns, 700 communicants — the largest number, 
perhaps, that ever attended at once upon this ordinance in 
the town. 

In 1 736, the Session, which had been reduced by death, 
was increased by the addition of John Moor, sen. John 
Moor,jun. Peter Douglass, Thomas Steele, Alexander Ran- 
kin, and Ninian Cochran, who being chosen by the Session, 
and approved by the congregation, were ordained to the 
office of ruling Elders in the chucch of Christ. 

At a meeting of this society, Oct. 1739, a committee were 
appointed, to unite with the Session, in presenting a call to 
Mr. William Davidson, who had supplied, for a short time, 
as a'candidate, to settle with them in the work of the Gos- 
pel ministry — engaging to give him £lGO as a settlement, 
and the same sura annually as his salary. He accepted of 
their invitation, and was ordained their Pastor. He mar- 
ried the widow of the Rev. Mr. Thompson. During Mr. 
Davidson':? ministry, vacancies in the Session were supplied, 
from time to time, by the following gentlemen, viz. Abra- 
ham Holmes, John Alexander, Thomas Cochran, Moses 
Barnett, Hugh Wilson, John Moor, Samuel Morrison, James 
Alexander, Matthew Miller, Thomas lYilson, David M(?rri> 



2^ 

S)n, Peter Calhoon, Robert Moor, John Holmes, and Da, 
vid Patterson. 

In 1741, an act to incorporate a new parish in the town- 
ship of Londonderry, by the name of Windham, passed in 
the General Assembly of the Province. In the Beginning 
of 1747, the Rev. William Johnston was installed the Pastor 
of this religious society ; and Nathaniel Hemphill, Samuel 
Kinkead, and John Kyle, were made ruling Elders. 

In July, 1752, Mr. Johnston was dismissed from his pas- 
toral charge ; not, as it appears, on account of any disaf- 
fection among the people towards him, or of impropriety 
in his conduct ; but for want of support. During his minis- 
try, they had no house for publick worship. Their meet- 
ings, when the season would admit, were usually held in 
barns. 

In 1753, a meeting house was erected in that parish, on 
the southerly side of Cabot's pond. The parish, on appli-r 
cation, by their commissioner, to the Synod of New- York 
and Philadelphia, for a Presbyterian Minister, obtained the 
Rev. John Kinkead, to whom a regular call being present- 
ed and accepted, he was installed over them, in October, 
1 760. He soon after made an addition to the eldership, of 
the following gentlemen, viz. Messrs. John Armstrong, 
Samuel Campbell, David Gregg, John Morrow, Samuel 
Morrison, Robert Hopkins, Gawin Armour, and John TufTts. 
Though Mr. Kinkead possessed respectable talents and ac- 
quirements as a preacher of the Gospel, yet not maintaining 
a christian and ministerial deportment, being chargeable 
with immoralities, he soon lost the respect and confidence 
of his people, and was dismissed, in April, 1765. 

Soon after his dismission, the church and society pre- 
sented a call to the Rev. Simon Williams, who was ordain- 
ed their Pastor,in December,! 766,by the Boston Presbytery. 
He continued their Minister twenty-seven years, and deceo-- 
edi November 10, 1793, aged 64. He was highly respec*- 



i>4 

€d and esteemed by his people, and by the neighbouring 
Ministers and churches. lie was eminent as a scholar. 
lie opened a private academy, which was continued a num- 
ber of years. Under his tuition, many young gentlemen 
were prepared for admission into College. Although dur- 
ing the latter part of his life, he was subject to a partial and 
occasional derangement of mind, as well as to bodily infir- 
mities, he still continued in the discharge of the duties of 
his office, with few interruptions, until his death. He died 
beloved by the people of his charge, who readily cast the 
mantle of charity over his eccentricities and fi-ailties. Dur- 
ing his ministry, he ordained John Dinsmore, Robert Park, 
John Anderson, William Gregg, Samuel Morrison, Robert 
Dinsmore, and Alexander M'Coy, ruling Elders. 

Immediately after the e^,tablishment of our Independence, 
Windham was made a distinct town, and invested with all 
the immunities of a free corporation. In 1 798, a new meet- 
ing house, the one now occupied by the society, "vVas erect- 
ed. The town, after having remained destitute of a settled 
ministry nearly twelv^e years, invited the Rev. Samuel Har- 
ris to become their Pastor, who was ordained by the Lon- 
donderry Presbytery, in October, 1805. Since his settle- 
ment, David Gregg, James Davidson, and William David- 
Son, have been added to the Session. 

The inhabitants of Windham, who are principally deriv- 
ed from the first planters of this town, have firmly adhered 
to the religious principles of their fathers — to the doctrines 
and forms of the Presbyterian church, as originally estab. 
iished in Scotland, and administered in this country. Not 
given to change, they have remained united, and firm sup- 
porter.^ of religious institutions, and of Gospel order. Of the 
four Ministers, and twenty Elders, which, since their incor- 
poration, have been ordained in that town, but one Minister 
and five Elders survive. 



The extraordinary seriousness, and attention to religion, 
which, in 1741, so extensively prevailed in this country — 
pervading New-England and most of the American Colonies 
— extended into this town. The Rev. Mr. M'Gregore, 
having visited Boston, and some other places, during this 
period, and having witnessed striking displays of divine 
grace in the conviction and hopeful conversion of multi- 
tudes, returned to his people greatly enlivened and deeply 
impressed with the subject. Having related to his congre- 
gation what the Lord was thus doing in our land, in the out- 
pouring of his Spirit, he delivered a number of very impress- 
ive discourses, from those words of the Apostle, Eph. v. 14, 
" Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and 
Christ will give thee light." The word, thus solemnly and 
pungently dispensed, was blessed as the means of awaken- 
ing many of his people to a deep and feeling sense of their 
guilt and danger. Meetings for religious conference and 
for prayer were frequent. Young people, in the difierent 
parts of his parish, statedly met by them-,clves for the same 
purpose. A happy addition was made to the church. 

During this season of seriousness and religious attention, 
the celebrated Mr. Whitefield visited the town, and preach- 
ed to a large collection of people in the open field. 

The Session of the church, in the West Parish, during the 
Rev.Mr.M'Gregore's ministry, consisted of the following gen- 
lleraen : James M'Keen, James Leslie, James Clark, James 
Nesmith, James Lindsley, George Duncan, John Duncan, 
James Taggart, John Gregg, Robert Morrison, John Hun- 
ter, John M'Keen, Samuel Anderson, Samuel Fisher, John 
Aiken, and James Reed, 

In 17G9, THIS house, for divine worship, was built, and 
dedicated to the service of God. 

The inhabitants of this town, from its settlement, have, 
perhaps, been as patriotick and as prompt in support of our 
liberties, civil .-md religious, .as any body pf citizens in 



I 
26 

Our country. On the declaraaon of the French war, in 
1756, in which the infant Colonies, and especially New- Eng- 
land, were threatened with a total extirpation, and wilh all 
the cruelties of a savage foe, this town bore its part in their 
defence and protection. A number of men, under the 
command of Capt. John Moor, an active and enterprising 
officer, pepetrated, with much difficulty and sufficnng, into 
Canada, and aided in the reduction of those Provinces, and 
.their subjection to the British Crown, which put a period to 
.the unceasing alarm and convulsion in which these Colonies 
were kept, by the regular and insidious attacks of the French 
on the one hand, and the solitary ambushments and mid- 
night incursions of the natives on the other. 

No sooner did hostilities commence between this country 
and Great-Britain, at Lexington, in 1775, in consequence of 
a new and oppressive system of policy adopted by that na- 
tion towards her Colonies, and which was repugnant to ev- 
ery independent sentiment and feeling of the Americans, 
than a company of volunteers from this town, under the 
command of the late General Reed, on the alarm being 
sounded, hastened to the scene of action, took part in the 
battle at Bunker's Hill, and thus determinalely rallied round 
the standard of liberty, which had been reared amidst pros- 
pects the most gloomy and discouraging. And during the 
painful and protracted struggle for Independence which en- 
sued, no town, probably, remained more firmly united in op- 
posing the exorbitant claims of the British government — or 
afforded the American army a larger proportion of troops 
to assert our rights, and redress our wrongs. It not onl3'" 
furnished our country with some of her bravest and most 
experienced soldiers, but it gave birth to that distinguished 
commander, the veteran Stark, the last surviving General 
officer of the revolutionary army,who, with his hcroick band, 
in the ever-memorable action at Behnington,arresled the pro- 
gress of the British arms, and changed the aspect of the war. 



i7 



May 30, 1777, deceased, the Rev. David M'Gregorc, aged 
68. lie was greatly respected, and sincerely and deeply 
lamented, by the affectionate people of his charge. He 
stood high in the publick estimation, as a preacher and as 
a divine. His praise was in all the surrounding churches. 
Few, if any, then upon the stage, were considered his supc-^ 
riours. Though not favoured with a collegiate education^! 
yet, under the private instruction of the Rev. Mr. Clark, 
and by his own assiduity and application in acquiring hu- 
man, but especially divine knowledge, he became « a scribe 
Aveil instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," and was able^ 
at all times, and on all occasions, "to bring forth out of his 
treasure, things new and old," "rightly dividing the word,; 
and giving to each one a portion in due season." H9 was. 
%vell versed in the Scriptures, had a natural gift of elocu^. 
lion, and was a zealous and engaging preacher. His pulpit 
talents were perhaps superiour to those of his father. His- 
voice was full and commanding— his delivery solemn' 
and impressive— and his sentiments clear and evangelical. 
His house of worship was usually thronged. Many from 
neighbouring towns diligently attended upon his ministry. 

He excelled not only as a preacher, but also as a Pastor 
—or in the discharge of parochial duties— especially that 
of catechising. These occasions, on which neighbourhoods/ 
both parents and children, were collected for the purpose b|; 
catechetical instruction, were regarded by his people a^. 
particularly interesting and profitable. His powers of mind > 
were strong and vigorous. He possessed- a peculiar spirit 
of firmness and independence, which prevented him from 
shrinking from duty on account of apparent danger or dif- 
ficulty.* 

* The following fact has been frequently mentioned, as illustrating certain 
traits in his character. A gentleman in Portsmouth received a loiter from 
an unknown hand, threatening to burn his buildings, unless a certain suiu 
ef money was left at a particiilar place on the road leading frQ» Chester to 



Mr. M'Gregorc did not survive his usefulness. He con- 
tinued in the faithful and acceptable discharge of the duties 
of his sacred office, until removed by death. The last Sab* 
bath on which he preached, was a communion season. On 
this occasion, he manifested, during the former part of the- 
publick exercises, his accustomed zeal and devotedness ; at 
length, exhausted by the effort, he sank down in his desk, 
and was carried out of the assembly — He however so far 
revived, as to return to the place of worship, and address, 
in publick, his people, for the last time : he died the fol- 
lowing Friday. 

During his short confinement, his mind was calm and re- 
signed. His faith in that Saviour, whom he had from time 
to time so fully exhibited in all his offices, was now his un- 
failing support. It disarmed death of its sting, and the 
grave of its terror. To one of his Elders, who visited 
him shortly before his death, he observed, referring to 
Christ, " I am now going, to see him as he w." Addressing 
some of his Christian brethren, in reference to the destitute 

'Portsmouth. The money was accordingly deposited, and a guard placed 
near, in order to arrest the person who should appear to receive it. Capt. 
John Mitchell, of this town, having occasion to travel that way in the night, 
alighted from his horse near the spot where the money was lodged. He 
was instantly arrested by the guard ; and notwithstanding his protestations 
of innocency, be was immediately conveyed to Fortsmouth, and commit- 
ted to prison. Owing to the singular concurrence of circumstances, the 
publick sentiment was so generally and so strongly excited against him, 
that no respectable gentleman of the bar could be induced to become his 
advocate at his trial. Mr. M^Gregore, convinced of his innocency, and 
strongly interested in his behalf, on account of his unpleasant and painful 
situation, resolutely undertook to conduct his cause, and to defend his 
character; though at the hazard, in some measure, of his own reputation. 
lie accordingly, by permission of the Court, took his seat at the bar : and 
though not particularly versed in forms of legal justice ; yet, so powerful 
and convincing was his plea — with so much ability and address did he roan- 
age his defence — that he obtained the gentleman's acquittal, in opposition 
to the whole current of publick opinion. His innocency was afterward'^ 
satisfactorily made known — and the offender digcovered. 



29 

Situation in which they would soon be, he exhorted them 
to look in faith to the great Head of the church, who is the 
same yesterday, to-day, and forever ; and repeatedly bore' 
testimony to the truth and importance of those doctrines 
which, for more than forty years, had been the subject of 
his preaching, and which are termed, by way of distinction, 
the Doctrines of Grace. 

Dr. Whittaker, of Salem, preached his funeral discourse, 
from those words of Elisha, on the removal of Elijah, " My 
father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horscmea 
thereof." 

Previously to the death of the Rev. Mr. M'Gregore, a 
new meeting house had been erected in the West Parish,- 
the one now occupied by the society, in which he preached 
a. certain part of the time. After his decease, theyremaiiu- 
ed a few years destitute of a settled Minister. 

In 1778, by ah act of the General Assembly, the forty 
families which had been allowed to pass from one p.irish 
to the other, for the more satisfactory enjoyment of relig- 
ious privileges, and which number had increased to nearly 
seventy, were confined to their respective bounds in main- 
taining the Gospel. A greater part of them, however, con- 
tinued for a few years to worship as they had formerly' 
done. 

The West Parish having made trial of a number of can" 
didates, was at length unanimous in the choice of the Rev. 
William Morrison, their late respected and beloved Pastor: 
to whom a call being presented, and sustained by the Asso- 
ciate Presbytery to which he belonged, he was ordained 
over that church and society, February 12, 1783. 

Soon after Mr. Morrison's ordination, the Session, which 
then consisted of but few members, was, in 1783, enlarged- 
by the addilion of John Bell, John Pinkerton, Roberr 
Thompson, Abel Plummer, James Aiken, Jonathaii Griffin, 
Abraham Duncan, Thomas Patters.on, and Jamco N£-^;iiJ'.h, 



30 

who were ordained and set apart to the office of ruhng El- 
ders in that church. The Session was afterwards increas- 
ed by the addition of James Pinkerton, William Adams» 
David Brewster, John Fisher, and Jonathan Savary. Thom« 
as Carlton and John Pinkerton have recently been added. 

The Rev. William Davidson, who sustained the pastoral 
charge of this society, continued to officiate as their Minis- 
ter more than half a century. He was ordained in 1 740, 
and he died February 15, 1791, at the advanced age of 77. 
He was born in Ireland, in 1714 ; and was educated at the 
University in Scotland. He graduated in 1733. He was 
a Minister of an amiable character, possessing a peculiarly 
mild, friendly, and benevolent disposition* He was exem- 
plary in his life and conversation, and devoted to the inter- 
ests of his people. He did not perhaps excel as a theolo' 
gian, or a publick speaker. His doctrinal views were not so 
clear and distinguishing; yet as a Pastor, he was diligent 
and affectionate. If he were not extolled for the briUiancy 
of his talents, or the powers of his mind, he was beloved^ 
and respected for the qualities of his heart, and the virtues 
of his life. 

He did not in any degree entangle himself in the affairs 
of the world. . Attentive to the duties of his office, and the 
calls of his parish, he left the management of his temporal 
concerns in a great degree to Mrs. Davidson, a lady well 
qualified to fill the station in which she was placed. He 
greatly studied to preserve the peace and harmony of his 
society. His disposition to oblige, led him frequently to 
remit his demands upon his parishioners when requested, 
never suffering any to be distressed in payment of theii' tax 
for his support. — He died sincerely beloved and respected 
oy those among whom he had long laboured, and in whose 
service " his locks had whitened and his eyes grown dim." 

After the decease of Mr. Davidson, the society remained 
destitute of a settled ministry until May, 1795, when the 



31 

Rev. Jonathan Brown was ordained their Pastor, by the 
Londonderry Presbytery. 

In 1800, John Nesmith, Daniel M'Keen, and John Tay- 
lor, were added to the Session of this church. 

In October, 1804, the Rev. Mr. Brown was, at his re- 
quest, dismissed from his pastoral charge. 

In 1 809, the Third or Congregational Parish in this town, 
which had been formed and organized after Mr. Brown's 
settlement, became united with the Presbyterian church and 
society, and were incorporated by an act of the Legislature, 
as the First Parish in Londonderry. In forming this union, 
so desirable, and so necessary to the peace and prosperity 
of the Parish, each society yielded a few of those peculiar- 
ities by which they were distinguished ; and we are happy 
to find, that they have now become so blended and so unit- 
ed, that the distinctions, which formerly existed, appear to 
be wholly lost. 

September 12, 1810, the prttsmt Pastor of this church and 
society was ordained. On the union of the two churches 
in this place, they proceeded to a new choice of Elders, 
agreeably to the articles of their Constitution. The follow- 
ing gentlemen were elected, and set apart to that office, viz. 
Daniel M'Keen, James Palmer, Charles Smith, John Burn- 
ham, John Crocker, James Moor, Andrew Moor, David Ad- 
ams, John Dinsmore, Nathaniel Nourse, and James Gregg. 
Samuel Burnham, Matthew Clark, Jonathan Adams, Robert 
Morse, William Choate, James Choate, and John Hum- 
phrey, have been since added to the Session. 

Blay, 1816, died, Elder John Pinkerton, a distinguished 
benefactor to the town. He had long been a useful, re- 
spectable, and influential citizen ; active in supporting civil 
and religious order. By a long course of industry in busi- 
ness, he had accumulated a large estate. In the distribu- 
tion of his property, he benevolently bestowed eight th<ni- 
sand dfAlars upon each of the two religious societies in this 



32 



town, for the support of the Gospel ; and thirletn thousand 
dollar.':, as a fund for the support of an Academy. In con^ 
fiequcnce of these liberal donations, which will contribute 
so essentially to the interests of this people, as well as of 
his publick and private virtues, his name will be deserved- 
ly precious in this place, and be had in lasting and grateful 
rememiirance. 

March 9, 1818, died, the Rev. William Morrison, D. D. 
having been the Minister of the West Parish thirty-five 
years. He was born in Scotland, and came lo this country 
■while a 3"oung man, with a view to obtain an education for 
the ministry'-. Having completed his theological studies, 
under the direction of the Rev.Robert Annin, he was licens- 
ed to preach the Gospel. He was soon after employed to 
supply the West Parish as a candidate, where he was at 
kngth settled — and continued in the assiduous and accept- 
able discharge of the duties of the ministry until his death. 

As you have all, my hearers, been personally acquaint- 
ed with him-7-as you have frequently enjoyed his ministra- 
tions — as his appearance, his manner, and his gifts as a 
preacher, are now fresh in your minds — especially as his 
character was so ably and correctly drawn in the Discourse 
delivered at his interment — a more particular delineation 
will not be deemed necessary ; neither perhaps will it be 
expected on this occasion. Though dead, he will, I trust, 
long survive in the affectionate remembrance of his bereav- 
ed people, and of the many societies which were favoured 
with his occasional labours. 



Note. — As there may be some who have not been fa- 
voured v.'ith a perusal of the Sermon delivered by the Rev. 
Dr. Dana, at the funeral of the Rev. Dr. Morrison, the fol- 
lowing extract, containing his character, is annexed to this 
Dis'course, on its publication. 



33 

** Addressing a congregation so signally favoured as to 
have enjoyed his publick instructions for a period of more 
than thirty-five years, I need not say, that they combined, 
in no common degree, the qualities which constitute the ac- 
ceptable, the impressive and useful preacher. His sermons 
were purely and strictly evangelical ; were luminous and 
instructive ; faithful and searching ; awfully alarming to the 
wicked ; yet encouraging to the sincere, and tenderly con- 
soling to the mourner in Zion. With remarkable force and 
fidelity did they display the genuine, unadulterated doc- 
trines of the Gospel, with the distinguishing nature and evi- 
dences of vital and practical religion. Nor were his prayers 
less impressive than his sermons. Replete with rever- 
ence and affectionate devotion ; the breathings of a soul ap- 
parently in near communion with its God ; full, yet concise ; 
adapted to occasions and circumstances; they could scarce- 
ly fail to solemnize and edify the hearers. , 

" His manner, in the sacred desk, was peculiar. It had 
something of patriarchal simplicity ; something of apostol- 
ick gravity and authority. Yet it was mild, affectionate, 
and persuasive. It indicated a mind absorbed in heavenly 
things, deeply conscious of its awful charge, and anxiously 
intent to fasten eternal truths on the consciences and hearts 
of men. 

" As a Pastor, he was faithful, assiduous, and tender ; in- 
stant in season, and out of season ; watching for souls, as 
one that must give account ; and finding his delight in the 
discharge of the most laborious and exhausting duties of his 
office. How little did he spare himself, even in those clos- 
ing years of life, in which his emaciated form proclaimed 
the ravages of disease ; and infirmity, combined with age, 
seemed to demand repose ! He Avas truly the father of his 
beloved people. He rejoiced in their joj's, sj^mpathized 
in their sorrows, adapted himself to their infirmities, and, 
without sacrificing dignity, or independence, or fi^ithfulars-:. 



34 

became all things to all men, that he might promote their 
spiritual good. 

" But his cares and labours were by no means confined 
to his flock. The general interests of Zion, the peace ancf 
welfare of churches near and remote, engaged his feelings, 
and frequently employed his exertions. Few were so often 
resorted to, as counsellors in cases of difficulty ; and few 
have been so cuccessful in promoting the interests of peace 
and order. His deep knowledge of human nature, the 
quickness and accuracy of his perceptions, his sound judg- 
ment, his consummate prudence, his unafi(ected kindness, 
united with energy and independence, were eminently cal- 
culated to render him successful in meditaing between con- 
tending parties, and becalming the agitated spirits of men. 

" As to his pulpit labours, they were widely extended in- 
deed. In his days of health especially, they were so fre- 
quently sought by churches abroad, and so liberally af- 
forded, that no small portion of his time and strength was 
exhausted in these free-will offerings. 

" He took an energetick and interested part in the vari- 
ety of plans and institutions to which the present age has 
given birth, for disseminating the Scriptures, for extending 
the knowledge of the Gospel, for promoting the power of 
godliness, and effecting a reformation of manners. Every 
design, connected with the glory of God, and the best inter- 
ests of man, engaged his cordial concurrence, his active 
patronage, and his fervent prayers. He was much an- 
imated and delighted by the recent signs of the times. He 
considered the multiplied revivals of religion in our coun- 
try, and the unexampled exertions of Christians on both 
sides of the Atlantick, to evangelize the heathen, as intelli- 
gible and decisive indications of the approach of the prom- 
ised millennium. ^ 

" If we follow him into the private walks of life, we per- 
ceive a character consistent and uniform, estimable and 



35 

^lovely. His piety was strict without austerity, and fervent 
without enthusiasm. Religion in him was a pure and lam- 
bent flame, enlightening, comforting and attractive ; but not 
dazzling, terrifying, nor consuming. If there was a trait in 
his character, conspicuous above the rest, it was benevolence 
— a benevolence which prompted him to unwearied and 
self-denying exertions in promoting the real happiness of 
his fellow-creatures ; which inspired candour for their faiU 
ings, and compassion for their distresses ; which could for- 
give the injurious, and overcome evil with good. 

" After this, it is scarcely needful to add, that in the so- 
cial and domestick relations, he was signally exemplary 
and amiable ; that he was a most affectionate husband, a 
most tender father, and a most faithful friend. 

" No one who was familiarly acquainted with Dr. Morri- 
son, could fail to observe in him a habitual serenity and 
cheerfulness of mind ; a serenity, a cheerfulness, not the re- 
sult of mere natural temperament, but obviously flowing 
from a lively confidence in the all-governing goodness and 
wisdom of God, and a habitual submission to his disposing 
will. 

" But his life, precious, valued, exemplary as it was, must 
have a close. What thanks do we owe to the Sovereign 
Disposer, that it was protracted so long ; and that it was 
consistent, graceful, and useful to the last ! Especially ought 
we to be thankful that we have repeatedly heard him speak 
with such humble, cheerful composure of Jliis approaching 
dissolution; and that now we have such consoling evidence, 
,*that to him death was unstinged, and the grave deprived of 
its victory." > 

REFLECTIONS. 

1. What important and interesting changes have been 
produced, in relation to this town, during the Century un- 
der review ! Carry back your thoughts to tlic period of its 



^6 

settlement — the time when the first planters erected their 
tents : How changed — how improved is now the scene ! 
This day, 1719, the spot, on which we are assembled, was 
a wilderness. Where then was seen nothing but a rough 
uncultivated tract of country, filled with beasts of prey and 
wandering natives, are now presented to our view, on either 
hand, pastures covered with flocks, and fruitful fields wav- 
ing from year to year with abundant harvests. Instead of 
the Indian wigwam, are now seen the habitations of civiliz- 
ed men — buildings for the instruction of our youth — and 
Temples for the worship of Jehovah. 

How greatly superiour, my brethren^ to those of your 
ancestors^ are the circumstances in which you are placed ! 
How much greater are the privileges and advantages which 
you enjoy ! Contrast with your safety, ease, and affluence, 
their dangers, hardships, and self-denials. They, when they 
first penetrated into this place, were few in numbers, and 
strangers in a land not their own : You are the undisputed 
proprietors of the soil on which you live, and are now in- 
creased to nearly three thousand souls. They fared hard- 
ly, being compelled for a time to seek their provisions at a 
distance from their settlement : You have not only the con- 
veniences, but many of the delicacies of life. 

Through fear of the midnight incursions and the solitary 
attacks of the natives, not only were their families nightly 
garrisoned ; but, in the cultivation of their fields, they held 
an implement of husbandry in one hand, and a weapon of 
defence in the other : You may sleep unmolested In your 
dwellings, and sit under your own vine and fruit-tree, hav- 
ing none to make you afraid. They were under great dis- 
advantages for educating their children : You are highly 
privileged with the means of instruction. 

At first, and for some time, there was but one school 
house in the town, and that built of logs : Now there are 
eighteen school districts, and the same number of school 



51 

hou'^cs, generally commodious and well built ; also an Acad- 
emy well endowed, in which our youth are taught the liber- 
al arts and sciences. Your fathers at first worshipped to. 
gethcr in the open field, in barns and private dwellings = 
You have now two large and convenient houses for publick 
worship. 

In fine, you enjoy a pleasant and a healthy situation ; you 
are richly favoured with the bounties of providence, and 
blessed with the full enjoyment of the Gospel and its in- 
stitutions. 

Surely, " your lines have fallen to you in a pleasant 
place — you have a goodly heritage." But remember, that 
these privileges and blessings were, under God, purchased 
for you by the toils and sufferings of your fathers — they 
laboured — they encountered dangers — they endured hard- 
ships, and submitted to privations. Yau, their descendants, 
" have entered into their labours." 

2. In reviewing the Century now closed, we are called 
upon gratefully to notice many instances of the divine good- 
ness towards the inhabitants of this town. 

It was through a divine influence, and under the divine 
direction, that your fathers left the land of their nativity, to 
seek an asylum in these then newly discovered and unsub- 
dued forests. 

Had they remained in their subjugated isle, how enslaved,- 
empoverished, unenlightened, and comparatively wretched, 
would now have been the situationof you their descendants! 
Contrast, for a moment, the moral, civil, and political con- 
dition, of the inhabitants of that country, with the privil- 
eges which you this day enjoy. The mass of people, in- 
cluding the middle and lower classes of society, there ex- 
perience the greatest hardships and privations. They live 
in miserable huts, half naked, and scarcely provided with 
the common necessaries of life. Destitute, in a great de- 
gree, of the means of education and reli£;ious instruction. 



3* 

they are immersed in ignorance, superstition, and vice ; an^ 
exhibit, in too many instances, scenes of moral degradation, 
painful to the enlightened and benevolent mind. 

In this situation, my friends, you might now have been, 
had not your fathers, influenced by an ardent and inextin- 
guishable thirst for civil and religious liberty, and under 
the divine guidance, embarked for this country, fearlessly 
encountering the dangers of the ocean, and the perils of the 
wilderness, in order to find a settlement, remote from the 
shackles of slavery and the hand of oppression. 

The divine goodness is also to be acknowledged in their 
selection of a spot for a township, and in their final estab- 
lishment. He, whose direction they devoutly sought, in- 
clined the existing Authorities to patronize and assist this 
company of adventurers, in surmounting the difficulties 
which they had to encounter. The designs and attempts 
of those who have disturbed them, were frustrated. They 
were permitted to remain in possession of their lands, a 
tract of country happily selected, and combining advantages 
equal, at least, if not superiour, to those of almost any 
other township in the State. 

The signal preservation of this settlement, during the 
wars in which the Colonies were repeatedlj' involved for 
more than half a century, is also deserving of grateful no- 
tice. In consequence of an Indian war, which broke out 
soon after their arrival, they were imminently exposed to 
the depredations and cruelties of a savage foe, being re. 
'mote from any other settlement which could have afforded 
them aid in case of an attack ; yet, through a divine inter- 
position, they were in no instance molested. While neigh- 
bouring towns were assaulted, and their sons and their 
daughters led into captivity — while in many places, " the 
labourer at his work, the slumberer in his bed, and the con- 
gregation at their worship, were attacked and destroyed" 
— the inhabitants of this town were never startled with the 



S9 

soun3 of the war-whoop, or pierced with the groans of the 
wounded and the dying. 

During the French war, proclaimed in 1 756, in which 
the American Colonies suffered very considerably, and al- 
so during our struggle for Independence, the sufterings of 
this settlement, though it bore an active and proportionate 
part in the defence of our liberties, were light, compared 
with those of many other towns and sections of the country, 
which were actually invaded by the enemy. While their 
lands were laid waste, their houses plundered, their dwell- 
ings consumed, and the inhabitants harrassed with continual 
alarms, your fields never witnessed the clashing and roar 
of arms — were never crimsoned with the blood, or whiten- 
ed with the bones of the slain. And what deserves partic- 
ular and grateful notice is, that notwithstanding the town 
kept in actual service nearly a hundred men during the war 
of seven years, who were in many of the principal engage- 
ments which secured our Independence ; yet, but one of its 
inhabitants was slain — Capt. David M'Clary, a distinguish- 
ed officer, who fell at Bennington. 

The settlers of this town were also greatly prospered in 
their civil and temporal concerns. — Blessed with unusual 
strength, and inured to habits of industry and frugality, 
they sopn acquired not only a competency, but became 
possessed of good estates. In point of wealth and respect- 
ability, the town early ranked with almost the first in the 
State. . 

It is, however, in relation to the religious privileges 
which have here been enjoyed, that your gratitude to God 
should be particularly excited. From the very settlement 
of the place, to the present day, the publick ordinances 
of the Gospel have been supported, and uninterruptedly 
enjoyed. The town has at no time been destitute of a reg- 
ularly ordained Minister, and a greater part of the time 
there has been one in either parish. 



Cr^Km 



40 

. The form of doctrine, and of church government, received 
from your fathers, and which we conceive to be in all es- 
sential points agreeable to the word of God, have been pre- 
served during the past Century uncorrupted. The church- 
es and religious societies in this town, retain the same arti- 
cles and the same mode of worship, which were originally 
adopted. Their walls have never been broken down, or 
defaced, by the incursions of the enemy. 

It is indeed matter of thankfulness, that while many oth- 
er towns, once united and respectable, h^ve, during this pe- 
riod, been greatly agitated and rent ; while many once 
flourishing churches have become almost extinct, and the 
regular administration of Gospel ordinances suspended, in 
consequence of the prevalence of errors and divisions in 
religious sentiments ; this town, though large and populous, 
has remained generally united in support of those puritanic- 
al principles, and of that order, which were first introduced. 
Being early instructed in the essential truths of the Gospel, 
its inhabitants have not been carried about with every wind 
of doctrine^ or the prevailing errors of the day. Our tem- 
ples have never been deserted, or occupied by irregular 
teachers of religion. 

It is also worthy of notice, that the Ministers, who have 
been settled in this town, have lived in peace and harmony 
with the people of their charge — generally united in relig- 
ious sentiments, and mutual affection. The Pastors who 
have here deceased, continued in the acceptable discharge 
of the duties of their office, until their death; and have 
slept in quietness, surrounded with their beloved flocks. 
But one dismission, and that by request, has taken place 
during the Century. 

We may also notice, with grateful emotions, the ample 
provision which has been recently made for the permanent 
support of the Gospel in this place. These donations, 
while they will greatly contribute to the preservation of the 



41 

religions societies in the town from the incursions of other 
denominations, will also serve as an important means of 
perpetuating, in this place, through succeeding Centuries, 
the enjoyment of Gospel ordinances : so that, the future 
prospects of this people, as to their religious interests, are 
highly encouraging. And shall not the past and long expe- 
rience, which we, and our fathers ^nd elders, have had of 
the kindness and faithfulness of God, lead us to implore the 
continuance of his favour, that his blessing niay still rest 
upon us, and upon our children, and our children's children? 
from generation to generation. 

3. It becomes us, on this occasion, to inquire, whether 
We have not, in some respects, departed from the religious 
principles and habits of the original settlers of this town. 

Although, during the Century now past, there has been 
a very great and important improvement in education and 
manners — though, as a people, you are doubtless more in- 
formed and refined than were your fathers — though some 
sentiments and practices, prevalent in their days, may have 
given place to others preferable in their nature and tenden- 
cy ; still w'e fear, that tlicre is not among us, that Christian 
simplicity and spirituality — that attachment to the Gospel 
and its ordinances — which they evidently manifested. 

Thn genuineness and strength of their religious principles, 
of tTicir love and adherence to the pure doctrines and forms 
of the Gospel, were fully evidenced in the persecutions 
which they and their fathers endured in their native land, 
rather than Conform to the corrnptions of the Papal church. 
The satne religious principle influenced ihism to seek an 
abode in this western world. 

They were generally the professed followers of Christ, 
They here early erected a house for publick worship, and 
were uniform and punctual in their attendance upon divine 
institutions, notwithstanding the distance and roughness of 
the way which they had to travel. They loved the gates 



of Zion — delighted to inquire in his temple, and hear from, 
his word. The Sabbath was not to them a weariness, but a 
delight. " They were glad when it was said, Let us go into 
the house of the Lord." 

They were constant and devout observers of family wor- 
ship. In almost every dwelling, was regularly heard the 
voice of prayer and of praise. In every family, there was 
an " altar consecrated to God, around which they statedly 
and devoutly assembled to present, their morning and 
evening sacrifice. 

They also carefully observed the divine direction, "to 
bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of 
the Lord." — They not only brought them, from time to 
time, to a throne of Grace, and presented them before God 
for his blessing ; but they diligently and faithfully instruct- 
ed theiHp Children were early taught that excellent Sum- 
mary of Christian Doctrines and Duties, the Shorter Cat- 
echism; and very many were enabled to repeat the Larger 
also, \vith its Proofs and References. 

They were also restrained from violating the rest of the 
Sabbath, by spending it in idleness or amusement. Neither 
were the publick streets thronged with travellers, prosecut- 
ing their worldly business ; nor was any unnecessary la- 
bour allowed in the family ; but a sacred stillness pervaded 
every dwelling, and reigned through the society. And it 
was this firm, united, and cordial attachment to the Gospel 
and its ordinances, manifested by your ancestors who com- 
menced this settlement, which evidently laid the foundation 
of that degree of order and respectability, by which this 
town has been distinguished, and which we consider so es- 
sentially necessary to our temporal as well as spiritual 
interests. 

Surely then, my friends, it becomes you, if you regard 
your own happiness, or the welfare of your children after 
you, to take heed to the divine counsel — " Thus saith the 



41 

Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old 
paths, where is the good way, ajid walls tI:xerciA, and yQ 
shall find rest to your souls," 

4. Our subject naturally leads us to reflect upon the pro-' 
gress of dea,th, — '^Qur fathers, where are they?" Where 
ajce the first inhabitants of this town ? Where are tlxeir ixo? 
njiediate descendants, and many of their njore remote, pos-r 
terity ? Alas! the places that once knew: them» know: them 
no more! They have gone down to the grave,, and seen 
corruption. " One generation pas^eth away, and. anothci: 
generation cometh." 

The sentence, " Dust thou art, and untq dust shalt thou 
return," has been executed upon countless millions, ojC the 
{luman family, durmg the past Century.— rllow. many, have 
here been born— rhow many have here died-^since the se,t«r 
tlemcnt of this place I How populous are your gr.aye-yard,s \ 
From the first who was laid under the. clods of the vajleyi 
to the present time, what numbers have folio wed, eacii other 
to the land of silence ! As no accurate account has, been 
kept of the bills of inortality, it is dillicuJt to ascertain the 
number who have died in this town — probably double to 
that of its present inhabitants. In this number, of thedead, 
are included, six Ministers, and sixty Elders, 

Yes, my brethren, the fornjer Pastors of this town^ and 
their flocks, sleep together in the place of burial, Andle^. 
us remember, that " we also are strangprs and. sQJaurners,^ 
as all our fathers were" — "our days on earth, ape: a^ a 
shadow, and there is none abiding/' Thei"© is not on.QJn 
life, who took an active part in the settlement of this town : 
and at the close of the present Century, not one now upon 
the stage will probably be living, We and our children, 
and many of our children's children, will be numbered with 
the dead. A new race of inhabitants will move over this 
ground, and fill our places. Our descendants will then, as 
they pass over our graves, b^ pointing to the grassy mounds 



JUN IS 1907 



44 

ffhich inclose our dust, and saying, '• There rest our anccs*' 
tbSre— there sleep our fathers." 

It is recorded of Xerxes, that when, from a lofty em- 
inence, he took a view of his immense army, he Wept at the 
reflection, that in One age they would all be dead. And 
can we look around upon this assembly, and contemplate 
the scene of mortality before us ? — Can we, without the deep- 
est solemnity and tenderest emotion, cast our eyes over this 
town, and reflect, that within a few years to come, in a lit- 
tle time, not one of its now busy inhabitants will be living? 
That they all will have left these seats — their houses — their 
farms — their merchandize — this world — and have entered 
jhe mansions, either of everlasting happiness, or misery ! 

Extending our thoughts forward, let us inquire, where — 
O where will our souls be found, while our mortal part lies 
mouldering in the dust? Shall we, when thus absent from 
the body, be present with tiic Lord, and join that glorious 
company, who stand before the throne ? Or shall we have 
our pairt with unbelievers ? 

While then, my friends, we contemplate the revolutions 
of time, and the ravages of death, let us seriously think of 
our dissolution — think how soon time with us will be no 
more ! By faith, let us look " for the commg of the Lord 
Jesus, who will re- animate the slumbering dust of all his 
true followers, change their vile body, and fashion it like 
unto his glorious body." — When he shall thus come, to be 
glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believOf' 
may we also appear with him in glory. 

AMEN. 



LHJe'lO 



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